How to Install Metal Lamp Sockets (from Dash Harness) into your Gauge / Instrument Cluster

Lectric Limited, Inc. - Automotive Wiring & Electrical Products
Periodically, we get calls from customers who find it difficult to insert, and snap-in our metal lamp sockets into the circular openings of their instrument cluster.
The metal lamp sockets I’m referring to are these.... and are part of the Dash Harnesses we manufacture for 50-60 year-old cars that were originally equipped with metal (not plastic) lamp sockets, as shown here on this 1953 Corvette Dash Harness.
Hopefully, this instructional video will give you a better insight into these lamp sockets and show you a technique to try to make them easier to insert.
Originally, on the assembly line, the Dash Harness was connected to the instrument cluster. THEN, the entire harness & cluster assembly was routed and installed into the opening in the dash board.
So, if you’re trying to install lamp sockets into a dash cluster that is STILL INSTALLED in your car, and not removed. And you’re on your back, looking up under the dash, and trying to insert these lamp sockets with your finger tips, it will be SUBSTANTIALLY more difficult to install them.
First, identify the open or slotted portion of the lamp socket.
With the instrument cluster out of the car, insert the open-end of the socket (either side) into the opening first. Then, roll-in the lamp socket until it snaps in.
As you can see, some force IS required to make these sockets snap-in. No doubt about that.
If you try to install the socket at a 90 degree angle, a considerable amount o force will be required.
Our metal lamp sockets are made to the original blueprint specifications, and within manufacturer’s tolerances.
To address those who say that this retaining portion of Lectric limited’s lamp sockets (point with finger) are larger than their original lamp sockets. It should be noted that your original lamp sockets were in a compressed state for 50-60 YEARS. When metal is compressed for that length of time, it probably will change it’s dimensions from original.
Originally, these lamp sockets were a very tight fit.
And that’s also part of the problem with re-using original lamp sockets, in that although they might be able to be inserted more easily, they may also fall out more easily. Not something you want happening while you’re driving down on the road!
If you’re still having difficulty installing these lamp sockets, you can try making a simple installation tool from a piece of PVC pipe. Here I’m using a piece of ½" thin wall PVC. I’ve cut a narrow slot with a hack saw so that the wire can be inserted.
That’s about it. Hope this video helps you.

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i am looking for a source that sells these metal lamp sockets parts, pig tail wire(( cap that is soldered or crimpet to the end of the wire in the socket . any other help tks.